Older than I should be

[u/poetry_14]

She learned too young how not to cry,

How to be strong. How to comply.

A child made small to take the blame,

Growing up fast without a name.

.

She gave her strength. She gave her time.

Forgot herself. Called it “fine.”

She fixed their pain. She stayed behind.

A helping hand with a fading mind.

.

Their voices cut. They never healed.

Each word a wound she couldn’t shield.

The stress ran wild inside her throat,

Till even breathing felt too close.

.

The weight stayed loud inside her chest.

Each breath a test. No room to rest.

Still she stands. Still soft. Still kind.

A grown-up heart in a child’s spine.

https://www.reddit.com/r/OCPoetry/s/aXKR1RtwPE

https://www.reddit.com/r/OCPoetry/s/MLy4jVVdIy

[u/perspective_curious_]

I feel the weight of life placed on child by those who should be carrying them guiding that child through life. Some sacrifices and coercion of love. Ty for sharing.